Vienna education offensive: NEOS focus on language and mental health!

Vienna education offensive: NEOS focus on language and mental health!

On the occasion of 100 days in office, the Vienna city government presented the first reform highlights under the leadership of Vice Mayor Bettina Emmerling. In a comprehensive presentation, she emphasized the progress in education, which has been achieved, among other things, through targeted investments in skilled workers, training, language support and mental health. Promoting German is highlighted as the key to integration strategies and professional success. The NEOS Town Hall Club met for a two-day retreat to discuss future projects, as club chairwoman Selma Arapović explained. A central issue is budget restructuring and the need for structural reforms.

The reform highlights include several significant measures aimed at improving social and educational structures in Vienna:

• Der gelungene Schulstart zeigt sich in 700 Bewerbungen auf 240 Stellen, sodass seit Tag 1 Unterricht für jedes Kind gewährleistet ist.
• Im Rahmen des Ausbaus der Deutschförderung wurde die Deckelung für Sprachförderkräfte abgeschafft.
• Eine neue Orientierungshilfe soll der Jugendkriminalität entgegenwirken, insbesondere durch ein Buddy-System für straffällige unter 14-Jährige.
• Zur Unterstützung der Märkte wird die „Lange Nacht der Wiener Märkte“ eingeführt, und der klimafitte Schlingermarkt eröffnet.
• Für die mentale Gesundheit von Schüler:innen werden 600 Workshops und multiprofessionelle Teams an Schulen bereitgestellt.
• Als zukunftsgerichtete Initiative wird die Bewerbung für eine AI-Gigafactory in Wien vorgestellt, um Innovation und Wirtschaftswachstum zu fördern.

Focus on mental health

The issue of mental health is also in focus at a higher political level. On July 2nd, the Council of Ministers approved a comprehensive package to promote mental health and prevention in schools. Youth Minister Claudia Plakolm, Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr and Health Minister Korinna Schumann have presented measures that provide for the expansion of psychosocial support staff in schools. This also includes increased on-site support for students as well as the introduction of mandatory exit discussions if there is a risk of dropping out of school.

The Ö3 youth study makes clear the need for action: 45% of young people are reluctant to talk about mental health, while 18% see mental health problems as a hyped trend. Plakolm emphasizes the importance of sharing concerns and seeking help. Parents and peers play an essential role as supporters, while assistance offers such as hotlines are pointed out.

Inclusive programs and initiatives

International initiatives also exist in the context of promoting mental health. The organization vivo international specializes in training professionals in Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) to process traumatic memories in 17 countries. The Leipzig-based initiative also promotes Insanely human Teacher awareness programs in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to support students at an early stage.

In addition, the German Depression Aid Foundation developed a four-stage intervention approach for suicide prevention, which includes public relations measures and specific training for multipliers. The goal is to reduce suicides in Germany as well as in 10 other European countries and beyond.

Overall, it is clear that there is an increased focus on improving mental health at both local and international levels, and the Vienna city government sees itself in the role of a reforming force that prioritizes practical measures over mere intentions.